Who is Qatar’s Sheikha Hanadi – and why do so many women admire her achievements?
Qatar’s Sheikha Hanadi Bint Nasser Al Thani has an estimated net worth of more than US$15 billion, is an influential investor, has won multiple awards and gives generously to charity
The Middle East is home to a growing number of women who, despite coming from privileged backgrounds, are making waves with their entrepreneurial skills. Some have gone to do amazing things with their inherited wealth, while others, despite having a royal background, dared to step out and make their own way, building up a strong empire of their own with sheer hard work and dedication.
One such famous figure is Qatar’s Sheikha Hanadi Bint Nasser Al Thani, whose estimated net worth is more than US$15 billion. She is often referred to as a woman of many talents, and she has worked her way to the top, and is today a role model for women across the region who want to succeed in business.
Here are four things you need to know about Sheikha Hanadi.
She was educated in Qatar and London
First, she earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Qatar University. Then, she did an executive MBA course from London Business School. After that, she completed her master’s in the same subject from the University of London.
She has played many roles
Her first job was as an assistant lecturer in economics at Qatar University itself. In 1998, she founded Amwal, which is believed to be the first regulated investment company to have received a license from Qatar Central Bank, to conduct operations like investment banking, asset and wealth management. Earlier, the company was known as Qatar Ladies Investment Company (QLIC). In 2005, she went on to launch an important real estate project known as Al Waab City focused on providing world-class luxurious villas and contemporary apartments.
Sheikha Hanadi is also an influential investor, banker and special adviser to Standard Chartered Bank, and is CEO of Nasser Bin Khaled Al Thani & Sons Group, a trading and contracting company. In July 2012, she founded Q-Auto, which deals in Volkswagen and Audi cars. She is also a board member at Dana Gas, a natural gas company based in the UAE. Thanks to her strong educational background, she has served as one of the members of the advisory board for renowned universities like The Legatum Center for Development and Entrepreneurship at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.